Is a Safety Data Sheet the Same Document as a Technical Data Sheet?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and a Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are documents that are often confused — both by users of chemical substances and by those responsible for product documentation. Although their names sound similar, the differences between them are significant, especially in terms of legal status, content, and purpose. In this article, we explain why a safety data sheet is not the same as a technical data sheet — and why the distinction matters in practice.
What is a Safety Data Sheet?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a legally required document under the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. It must be prepared in accordance with strict formal requirements and include 16 mandatory sections as outlined in Annex II of the REACH Regulation (currently amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/878), covering information such as:
- identification of the substance or mixture,
- hazards,
- composition/information on ingredients,
- first aid measures,
- transport and waste handling.
This document is mandatory for hazardous chemical products (e.g. corrosive, flammable, toxic) as well as for certain non-classified products that meet specific criteria (e.g. those containing SVHC substances).
👉 The safety data sheet (SDS) is a legal document intended to inform users about the hazards of a chemical product and how to minimize exposure risks. It is not a declaration of product performance.
What is a Technical Data Sheet?
Because of the similarity in terminology (TDS vs SDS) suppliers of chemical products sometimes use these terms interchangeably. However, a Technical Data Sheet is an informational document prepared by the manufacturer or supplier. It contains technical data such as:
- qualitative composition (e.g. type of resin, pigment),
- physicochemical properties (viscosity, density, drying time),
- use and application methods,
- storage conditions.
A TDS is not required by chemical legislation, is not standardized, and can be prepared in any format.
👉 The technical data sheet (TDS) serves to declare certain performance characteristics of a product or confirm quality attributes (such as impurity levels). However, it does not inform the user about safety hazards related to product use and cannot be used as a substitute for an SDS.
Safety Data Sheet vs. Technical Data Sheet – Key Differences
| Feature |
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) |
Technical Data Sheet (TDS) |
| Legally required |
✅ Yes (REACH, CLP) |
❌ No |
| Format and structure |
16 sections – strictly defined |
Flexible format |
| Purpose |
Hazard communication and safe use |
Technical and application information |
| Primary Audience |
Professionals, HSE personnel, inspectors |
Customers, R&D, production teams |
| Update requirement |
Mandatory upon legal/data changes |
Optional |
What does this mean in practice?
👉 If your chemical product is hazardous — a safety data sheet is required. A technical data sheet alone is not sufficient.
👉 During inspections (e.g. by the Labour Inspectorate, Environmental Inspectorate, or Trade Control), inspectors expect an SDS, not just a TDS.
👉 Providing only a TDS instead of an SDS means non-compliance with Article 31 of the REACH Regulation and may expose your company to legal liability and administrative penalties.
Why can’t SDS and TDS be used interchangeably?
Because they serve different functions:
- The safety data sheet protects human health and the environment — it is a legal document.
- The technical data sheet supports product sales and usage — it is a marketing and technical document.
Failure to provide a safety data sheet to the end user or internal staff may be considered a breach of the Act on chemical substances and mixtures as well as the REACH Regulation.
Summary
A safety data sheet is not the same as a technical data sheet. Both documents are important, but they serve completely different purposes. To stay compliant and ensure user safety, you must provide a safety data sheet where legally required.
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